The Kalinga Warriors, Odisha FC, are set to resume their Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 campaign with a home match against neighbors East Bengal FC at the Kalinga Stadium. This encounter comes after the October international break, and Odisha FC will be eager to kickstart a winning streak.

Odisha FC has faced a challenging start to the season, securing only one win from their first four matches. They hope to capitalize on East Bengal’s struggles, as the visitors remain winless in the current campaign. Last season, the match was an exhilarating contest, with East Bengal initially taking the lead before Odisha FC rallied to win 2-1, thanks to a penalty from Diego Mauricio and a goal from Princeton.

In a positive turn for Odisha FC, the return of defenders Carlos Delgado and Saviour Gama to training provides a significant boost for the team. Coach Sergio Lobera addressed the media in a pre-match press conference, emphasizing the importance of the match. “We are approaching the game with the aim of securing three crucial points. While it’s a special game for our fans, our focus remains on delivering our best performance. Our opponents are strong, and their current position doesn’t reflect their true quality. We are confident playing at home and need to continue working effectively to secure these vital points.”

Regarding player availability, Lobera noted, “Carlos Delgado is recovering from an injury, and we’ll assess his condition after today’s final training session. Saviour Gama is fully fit and ready to play.”

Defender Amey Ranawade highlighted the need for a tactical balance between defense and attack. “We’ve been working hard tactically, and it’s crucial to strike a balance between our defensive responsibilities and attacking threats. We know our strategy, and you’ll see it during the game.”

As the team gears up for the match, Amey also sent a message to the fans: “Every game is crucial for us now, and we’re determined to secure those three points and a clean sheet. We’re giving 100% for the fans, for ourselves, and for the club.”

The match kicks off at 7:30 PM IST at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, promising an exciting showdown between the local rivals.